MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today confirmed the bout with sources close to the event following an initial report from MMA Opinion.

“Strikeforce: Champions” takes place at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. The main card airs on Showtime, though Gracie vs. Smith is expected to be part of the Showtime Extreme-televised prelims.

Gracie, a Brazilian jiujitsu black belt and multi-time world champion grappler, fights for the first time since July, when he scored a decision victory over big-show vet Keith Jardine. Prior to that, he won his first four pro fights (all via submission) before a knockout loss to Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal in September 2011.

Smith, meanwhile, is currently on an impressive 9-1 run, and the lone loss came to Adlan Amagov at Strikeforce Challengers 20. Since then, the well-rounded fighter has won three consecutive fights, including a submission victory over Lumumba Sayers in August. It was his 17th stoppage in 17 career wins.

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